Special stamps released to commemorate RSA centenary

The Royal New Zealand Returned and Services Association (RSA), together with New Zealand Post, is pleased to announce the release of special stamps to mark the centenary of the RSA.
 
One hundred years ago, wounded soldiers returning to New Zealand from World War One recognised a need to provide support for other veterans and honour those who had fallen. In April 1916, the first national meeting of returned soldiers was held and the RSA was established. One hundred years on the RSA is as relevant as ever, with New Zealand producing more veterans today than at any time since the end of World War II.
 
RSA National President BJ Clark says: “Since the RSA was founded one hundred years ago it has been an integral part of New Zealand communities. We are delighted to pay tribute to that, in partnership with NZ Post, with this special stamp issue. The RSA stands for Courage, Compassion, Comradeship and Commitment and we think these values continue to be important for our past and present service personnel, including the NZ Police, for their families and for all New Zealanders.”
 

Photo courtesy of Ideas Shop

The new commemorative stamp issue consists of six stamps that portray the RSA’s identity and history. The designs incorporate the RSA ‘heart’ logo, which reflects the RSA’s place at the heart of New Zealand’s communities, and images include the iconic poppy, RSA badge, fundraisers, and of course, some of the veterans the RSA has supported.

With the special role the RSA has long provided to the country, the organisation expects the stamps to have wide appeal. RSA Historian Dr Stephen Clarke says: “The founding members of the RSA recognised a need to provide support and comfort for service men, women and their families and to honour and remember those who would never come home. But the impact of the RSA has always extended beyond just its members to all New Zealanders; the RSA introduced the iconic poppy as a symbol of remembrance and also successfully lobbied for ANZAC Day to become a public holiday.”
 
"NZ Post has had a long and proud association with the RSA and is honoured to be able to bring New Zealand this special stamp and coin issue that recognises the RSAs 100 years of service in New Zealand communities," said Simon Allison, NZ Post Head of Stamps and Coins.
 

Photo courtesy of Ideas Shop

"Throughout the RSA’s 100 years of service, support and remembrance have been at the heart of all they do, and today they continue to be a supportive and welcoming organisation that is also adapting for its next century. For every coin and presentation pack sold we’ll donate $5 and $1 respectively to the RSA."
 
The stamps are available individually, in sheet sets of 25 or in special presentation packages, and range from the standard 80c denominations right through to $3.00. The presentation packs come with extras for those interested in a memento to keep. People can check out the full range of stamps at www.nzpost.co.nz/rsa100years and place a pre-order before the entire collection is available for purchase at NZ Post stores. The RSA centenary stamps are on sale from the 3^rd of February 2016 for a full year.